Common Name: Passion Flower

General Information

Passiflora membranacea is an evergreen climbing shrub, producing stems from 5 - 25 metres long that scramble over the ground or attach themselves to other plants by means of coiling tendrils. The plant can climb into the canopy of trees[, ].
The edible fruit is gathered from the wild for local use[]. The plant is often grown as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

C. America - Southern Mexico to Panama and Costa Rica.

Habitat

High forest regions; at elevations up to 3,000 metres[]. Dense, moist or wet, mixed forest, occasionally in oak forest, sometimes in exposed places in thickets, often on cliffs or in white sand; at elevations from 1,350 - 3,000 metres in Guatemala[]

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Passiflora membranacea is a plant of moderate to high elevations in the tropics of Mesoamerica, usually being found above 1,000 metres and often above 2,000 ,etres. Plants experience frost at least in parts of their range and they are able to tolerate occasional short periods where temperatures fall as low as -5°c[]. They require a temperature no lower than around 16°c when they are flowering in order to ensure fruit set[].
Requires a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil and a position in dappled shade where it can grow up towards the sun[]. Passiflora species generally grow best in a sheltered, sunny position or in dappled shade. Most species are found in the wild in moist but well-drained soils, generally of a lighter texture, and will often flower and fruit more heavily if the soil fertility is low. They often develop deep roots and can be moderately tolerant of dry spells. Most Passiflora species prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline soil, growing best where the pH is around 6. 5 - 7.5[, ].
Plants are very tolerant of pruning and can be cut back to ground level if required to rejuvenate the plant[]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, ]. The pulp is sweet and well-flavoured[]. The yellowish-green to yellow, ellipsoid fruit is 40 - 105mm long and 30 - 40mm wide[, ].

Medicinal

The leaves and roots of some, if not all, members of this genus contain a substance called 'passiflorina' which has similaritiesr to morphine and is an effective tranquilizer[]. We have no specific information for this species but many species are used in herbal infusions to calm the nerves and help bring about a restful sleep[].
The leaves of many species are also considered to be anthelmintic, antihysteric and diaphoretic. They are used in Brazil to combat intermittent fevers, cutaneous inflammations, and erysipelas[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe along with the pulp which will help break down the seed coat and speed up germination[]. Stored seed should be soaked for 24 hours in warm water and germination time can be reduced if the seed is then mixed with the juice of a fresh passion fruit (of any species)[]. Even so, it can take 12 months for stored seed to germinate[]. Place the seed tray in a shady position, maintaining a temperature around 19 - 24°c[]. Prick the seedlings out into individual containers as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out when large enough[].
Cuttings of young shoots, taken at the nodes. The cuttings root best in a neutral to slightly acid compost, but 100% sharp sand also produces good results[].
Cuttings of fully mature wood taken at a node. They can take 3 months, but there is usually a high percentage[].
Layering. Very easy[].
Air layering.

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